9 Responses to “Reel Reviews - Raging Bull”

1. 1 jpmatth Feb 22nd, 2005 at 5:06 pm

   isn’t the “coulda been a contender” line from On The Waterfront?

2. 2 Michael Feb 22nd, 2005 at 6:47 pm

   jpmatth, I probably should have made that more clear. In the final scene Jake recites the scene from On The Waterfront to himself in the mirror - I just like it because Jake has kind of made peace with himself. One of my favorite scenes.

3. 3 MIchael Feb 22nd, 2005 at 7:39 pm

   Just a quick note. I updated the post for this Reel Review. I had originally used a quote from the very last scene of the movie as you can see jpmatth and I commenting on above. jpmatth’s comment got me thinking about it and I realize it might cause confusion for some who have not seen the movie so I decided to change it.

4. 4 Keith Feb 22nd, 2005 at 10:51 pm

   Hi Michael, love the podcast. I’m happy you did a Reel Review of Raging Bull. This film is definately in my top 5 of all time, it’s certainly the first film I think of when asked to name my favorite films. As I was listening (at work) I had to try and supress emotion welling up inside me. This film is such a brilliant work of Art, pure genius in the acting and directing and editing and sound design, just remebering the scenes as you described them was enough to bring it all back. I wish I was articulate enough to describe what this film is to me. The performances are so well done by all, it’s uncomfortable to watch sometimes. It’s beautiful brutality.

5. 5 Michael Heilemann Feb 23rd, 2005 at 6:17 am

   Never did get around to watching it, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to somehow dig it up now. Great review, thanks a lot.

   One thing though, and I don’t mean to necessarily contend with your statement, matter of personal tastes and all that. And I don’t know how you feel about it either so… You said ‘widely recognized as the best film to come out of the 80’s’. What about Blade Runner?

6. 6 Michael Feb 23rd, 2005 at 11:17 am

   Michael, perhaps I should have softened it a bit with “one of” or “by critics”. Raging Bull has been voted the best film of the 80’s in a number of critic’s polls. It is also the film from the 80’s scoring highest in AFI’s 100 Greatest Films. As for Blade Runner, that is another great film. I’m curious to hear your opinion after having seen Raging Bull. Do me the favor of dropping back by with a comment after you get a chance to watch it.

7. 7 kevin martin Feb 24th, 2005 at 7:23 pm

   Michael, I just watch raging bull tonight .And what amazing about an actor like Robert Denero Is the phyiscal transformation that he goes thru making this movie from fit to fat. and i dont remember if you mentioned the charactor
   who played salvatore ,frank vincent ,I said to my self I have seen that guy in the Sopranos as well as other wise guy movies. but i cant agree with you more about Jake Lomatta what a destructive person he was. I did a google search and i am suprized he is still alive.

8. 8 Oliver Rose Feb 27th, 2005 at 6:56 am

   Just a bit of a heads-up for your UK listeners - It appears that HMV have this title down as being discontinued. All that means is that you’ll have to go to Amazon or somewhere instead, if they don’t have one on the shelf.

   I’m looking forward to this film, and the forthcoming cinephile run-through as well though… I just hope they can get it to me in time.

9. 9 daniel Aug 29th, 2005 at 9:01 pm

   Michael, I never watched Raging Bull and your podcast definitely made me want to check it out. I finally did and it was a very powerful experience. I’d have to say that boxing is still very much apart of this movie though the drama of LaMotta’s life is really what is fascinating

   Moriarty and Pesci compliment DeNiro beautifully, thanks for the backstory on how they got on the movie

   Sopranos aside, Vincent had a good role in Casino

   I really like how they used a classical theme through some of the boxing scenes, it made the brutal sport feel poetic

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